Parents are confident as educational arrangements align with their daughters’ FIFA U-17 World Cup participation in the Dominican Republic.
Kenya’s Junior Starlets are set to make a historic appearance at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic from October 16 to November 3.
This achievement, however, presents a unique challenge as the tournament dates clash with the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams, which are scheduled to run from October 23 to November 24, 2024.
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Despite this overlap, parents and educators have reasons to remain optimistic about the players' academic and athletic commitments.
FKF CEO Barry Otieno has actively addressed these concerns, ensuring that educational provisions are being negotiated with high-level officials.
“We are engaging Senior Ministry of Education officials and Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) on the same. We are eyeing remedial classes, and the possibility of sitting special exams after the World Cup," Otieno revealed in a discussion with the Star newspaper.
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The government’s willingness to find a flexible solution is echoed by the team’s head coach, Mildred Cheche, who emphasized the ongoing support during the qualifiers.
“During the qualifiers, we stayed in camp for two months, with teachers offering remedial classes to ensure the girls didn’t lose touch with books. Hopefully, the government will support our quest, and also ensure special exams are administered,” said Cheche.
The FKF's proactive measures extend beyond just negotiations.
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Players will participate in international preparatory camps, including in Spain, to acclimate to conditions similar to those in the Dominican Republic, thus ensuring optimal performance during the World Cup.
“The Dominican Republic is six hours ahead of Kenya, and arriving there early will ensure they adapt to the different time zones and acclimatize to the environment, before kickoff,” Barry added.
The robust support system, both academically and in football training, reassures parents that their children's educational and athletic needs are being balanced effectively.
And as Barry proudly notes, "It is every player's dream to feature in the World Cup, and we are working around the clock, to ensure our girl's preparations are smooth and we get the best out of them."
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